Rivers State is once again embroiled in a severe political crisis marked by renewed impeachment threats against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, drawing significant attention and prompting another intervention from President Bola Tinubu. The Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) confirmed that impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, initiated in early January, are still ongoing and being pursued in accordance with constitutional provisions. The RSHA has issued notices of allegations of gross misconduct to both the Governor and Deputy Governor, accusing Governor Fubara of several infractions including the demolition of the Assembly complex, extra-budgetary spending, withholding funds for the Assembly Service Commission, and failing to comply with a Supreme Court ruling on legislative financial autonomy.

Legal experts have weighed in on the procedural aspects of the impeachment. Liborous Oshoma, a legal practitioner and public affairs analyst, noted that the impeachment notice must be served personally on the governor, and a clerical error, such as addressing Governor Fubara as ‘madam’, could serve as grounds for challenge. He further explained that the governor has a 14-day window to respond to the allegations, after which the House of Assembly can proceed with a vote on whether to investigate the matter. Oshoma also stressed that an alleged breach of an agreement between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, should not constitute grounds for impeachment, particularly if the agreement contains illegal provisions, such as requiring the governor to co-assent to the budget with someone not holding the gubernatorial office.

Allegations regarding the true motives behind the impeachment move have emerged from various groups. The All Progressives Congress (APC) South-South Group alleged that lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, initiated the impeachment proceedings because Governor Fubara refused to approve “fictitious projects” in the state’s 2026 budget proposal. The group described this as a retaliatory action, not a genuine breach of the peace agreement brokered by President Tinubu. They accused the lawmakers of “institutional insubordination” by openly defying presidential authority. Similarly, the Nigeria Democratic Front (NDF) condemned the proceedings, asserting they were driven by Wike's personal interests and called for the recall of lawmakers loyal to Wike, accusing them of prioritizing their political benefactor over their constituents' interests.

President Bola Tinubu has reportedly intervened yet again in the escalating feud, summoning FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for discussions, with Governor Fubara also reportedly traveling abroad to meet the President. This intervention follows a previous truce that proved temporary, as tensions resurfaced barely three months later. Sources indicate President Tinubu is deeply concerned about the political instability in Rivers State and aims to caution all parties to prevent further destabilization, with one source suggesting that Wike would be called to order and prevented from impeaching Fubara.

The broader political dynamics surrounding the crisis also reveal a struggle for power and resources. Nyesom Wike, speaking in Port Harcourt, asserted his role in securing President Tinubu's victory in Rivers State during the 2023 presidential election, warning against others attempting to lead Tinubu's campaign in the state. Isaac Fayose, brother of former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose, claimed that neither Wike nor Fubara could genuinely win Rivers State for the APC in the 2027 general election without electoral manipulation, citing a lack of grassroots support. He further alleged that the ongoing feud is driven by a struggle for control of the state’s resources, pointing to Governor Fubara's accumulated savings as a major factor. Amidst the renewed feud, Wike's media aide publicly mocked Governor Fubara by sharing a throwback video of him kneeling to thank Wike after his 2023 governorship election victory, highlighting the depth of the political rivalry.